Mermaid Purse
2025Raku stoneware, glaze, acrylic dome, epoxy putty, water, water pump, sand
Mermaid’s Purse magnifies the form of a shark egg case, bringing it to life through the gentle sound of running water. Once a discarded vessel of life, it is transformed here into an autonomous, bubbling entity beneath its domed lid. This alien-like yet organic womb serves as a resting place for ideas—a contemplative space inviting calm and reflection.
Evoking elements of a beach landscape through its use of sand and water, the piece appears as if lifted directly from its natural shore and set atop concrete slabs, bridging the gap between wild nature and urban space.
The name references the folklore surrounding these objects. Often found washed ashore, shark egg cases have long been called “mermaid’s purses,” named for their pouch-like shape and leathery texture. This mythology encourages a reimagining and reappropriation of natural materials into new forms and functions.
